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OTTAWA — Amidst all the Grey Cup hysteria and screaming, Ricky Ray climbed down from the stage, stopped on the field to hug Larry Tanenbaum and neither of them seemed to want to let go.

It was a moment in a championship night full of moments, a moment in a stunning season of so many unexplainable occurrences.

“You have no idea what this means to my husband,” Judy Tanenbaum said, snapping a photo of the quarterback and the owner. “This is a dream come true for him. A dream come true for all of us.”

It is almost impossible to understand that the Toronto Argonauts are winners of the 105th Grey Cup, after a year of twists and turns and after a snowy night of wind and wonder and a shocking end at TD Place.

Toronto Argonauts general manager Jim Popp raises the Grey Cup over his head as he celebrates winning the 105th Grey Cup Championship Game against the Calgary Stampeders at TD Place Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Ottawa, Canada. (Photo by Andre Ringuette/Getty Images)

Tanenbaum has his first real championship after all these years of owning part of the Maple Leafs, the Raptors and Toronto FC.

“I didn’t know that,” said Ray, who became the first Canadian Football League quarterback to start and win four Grey Cup games. “It’s not about me tonight. It’s about all of us.

“So many things happened this year. So many things happened tonight. We have a lot of stories with this team, this year. We have a lot to celebrate.”

Somehow, and this has happened before, the more accomplished Calgary Stampeders, again lost the Grey Cup, this time 27-24. They have no equals when it come to losing Cups they should win. Last year was painful. This one will hurt, maybe even a little more.

Calgary Stampeders running back Jerome Messam (33) is tackled by Toronto Argonauts linebacker Terrance Plummer (47) as he scores a touchdown during first half CFL football action in the 105th Grey Cup on Sunday, November 26, 2017 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Sean Kilpatrick

In Toronto, though, no one will be sympathetic or even care. The details of this victory will disappear over time. The championship will be forever. The history-making plays that changed the 105th Grey Cup will become part of Toronto lore.

The record-breaking 100-yard touchdown pass from Ray to DeVier Posey. The record-breaking 110-yard fumble return for a touchdown by little-known Cassius Vaughn. The last-minute interception by Matt Black, a player let go early in the season, off a pass that never should have been thrown by the great Bo Levi Mitchell.

The crazy jumping and hugging and crying and shrieking family celebrations and selfie taking that took place after commissioner Randy Ambrosie presented the Grey Cup to the Argos, who have won their fifth championship since Joe Carter hit the home run at what was then the SkyDome. Some of the other wins were expected. This one, like the snow last night, seemed to come from the skies and no place else.

Toronto Argonauts quarterback Ricky Ray celebrates with the Grey Cup in the locker room after defeating the Calgary Stampeders in the 105th Grey Cup on Sunday, November 26, 2017 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

With a team that didn’t have a coach or general manager through much of the winter. With a team that won home field for the playoffs with a rather modest 9-9 record. With a team that looked to be beaten in the final minutes of the Eastern final and in most of the minutes of the 105th Grey Cup on Sunday night.

“I thought we were done when they were at the 11-yard line,” said Tanenbaum, ever the optimist. “I didn’t think we could come back from that.”

That was before Kamar Jorden reached out and tried to get an extra yard or two after a catch and lost the football before his knee hit the turf. Vaughn picked up the ball as it rolled to the goal line. And somehow there was no one between him and the Calgary end zone.

“Crazy man, it was crazy man,” said Posey, almost frozen in the moment and barely able to speak. “I can’t believe this, can’t believe this, can’t believe this.”

He couldn’t believe it. He wasn’t alone.

Toronto Argonauts wide receiver DeVier Posey (85) poses with trophy after being name the Most Valuable Player of the 105th Grey Cup against the Calgary Stampeders Sunday November 26, 2017 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

Vaughn ran 110 yards without being touched. Earlier, Posey went deep on Tommie Campbell, who hasn’t given up a touchdown all year, and seemed perfectly covered. Only Ray dropped the football from the heavens into Posey’s hands and he outran Campbell for the longest score of his life.

“I’m so proud of every one of these guys,” Black said. “Coach told us, all we had to do was get to the fourth quarter with the game close and we’ll have a chance.”

The Argos trailed 24-16 after three quarters, then outscored Calgary 11-0 in the fateful fourth quarter.

“This team is all about stories,” Black shouted while holding his baby girl. “I have a story. Every man on this team has a story and this is absolutely amazing. No one gave us a hope in hell all season. I’m so happy for all these guys, they’re phenomenal. I’m so happy for Ricky Ray. It’s such an honour to be on his team and call him a teammate.”

Toronto Argonauts defensive back Matt Black (39) intercepts a pass intended for Calgary Stampeders wide receiver Marken Michel (80) as Argonauts defensive back Jermaine Gabriel (5) looks on during second half CFL football action in the 105th Grey Cup on Sunday, November 26, 2017 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

And if Black doesn’t make the interception, the game is likely going to overtime. The outcome then, still to be determined.

“This is spectacular, I have to tell you that” said the 72-year-old Tanenbaum, the owner’s voice cracking, his face a crimson red of excitement. “Is this amazing or what? Marc Trestman was telling me a couple of weeks ago, this is the best team he’s ever had from a heart point of view. He said he’s never had a team like this before. Look at these guys.”

A championship first for Tanenbaum, maybe a championship last for the legend Ricky Ray.

A Grey Cup night of historical proportions, to cherish and ponder and then cherish some more.

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